Associate Dean (Director) of Extension

Associate Dean (Director) of Extension

Position within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at the University of Vermont (UVM). The role is a full‑time leadership position with an underlying non‑tenure track faculty classification. The individual will report to the Dean of CALS and is based in Burlington, Vermont, with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027.

Position Scope and Responsibilities

• Lead a unit of more than 150 faculty and staff delivering education, applied research, and outreach across Vermont.
• Advise on and advance UVM’s land‑grant mission by strengthening connections among research, teaching, and communities.
• Align Extension’s work with clearly defined strategic priorities and serve as a bridge between UVM and Vermont communities, translating research into practical application.
• Support a distributed workforce across the state, maintaining a consistent and visible presence in all regions.

Strategic Leadership

• Re‑envision Extension’s role and priorities to address complex, interconnected challenges affecting Vermont’s communities, economy, and environment.
• Build and sustain key relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders to advance Extension’s mission and secure resources, including philanthropic support.
• Advance Extension’s interests at the state and federal levels and strengthen support for applied research, education, and outreach.
• Develop and nurture strategic partnerships across UVM, Vermont communities and broader Extension networks.

Program Leadership

• Foster a strong organizational culture that supports academic quality, collaboration, innovation, open discussion and respect for diverse perspectives.
• Develop a deep understanding of Extension programs and priorities, providing clear direction and communication to align efforts.
• Use data, technology and modern tools to support program delivery, decision‑making and organizational effectiveness.
• Support inclusive and participatory environments that promote well‑being, job satisfaction and long‑term retention.
• Provide strategic direction for planning and evaluation to strengthen programs and inform resource allocation.

Program Management and Engagement

• Maintain a consistent and visible presence statewide, balancing external engagement with internal leadership.
• Lead strategies to strengthen long‑term financial sustainability and diversify funding sources.
• Increase public awareness and understanding of Extension’s work and impact.
• Uphold the values of "Our Common Ground" and promote intercultural excellence.
• Conduct performance evaluations of direct reports and make personnel recommendations in consultation with the Dean of CALS.
• Represent UVM Extension on internal and external committees, advisory boards and professional organizations.

Required Qualifications

• PhD, EdD or other terminal degree; or a master’s degree with significant leadership, research and outreach experience.
• Strong leadership skills, including goal setting, delegation and accountability for outcomes.
• Ability to think and operate across complex systems and address interconnected challenges.
• Understanding of Extension, the land‑grant system and federal partnerships.
• Experience in financial management, resource development, organizational planning and program evaluation.
• Experience building partnerships and connecting academic expertise with community needs.
• Experience creating a positive organizational culture that supports staff well‑being, engagement and retention.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences.
• Management style that is inclusive, empowering and fosters respect and shared accomplishment.
• Demonstrated commitment to intercultural excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within the Cooperative Extension system or a similar applied research, community‑based or public service environment.
• Experience leading complex, multi‑program organizations or similarly complex initiatives.
• Experience working effectively across geographically distributed organizations or communities, preferably in rural or statewide contexts.
• Experience incorporating data, technology or modern tools to improve program delivery or organizational effectiveness.

Application Materials

• Current CV
• Cover letter highlighting relevant experience
• Statement (≤2,000 words) describing the candidate’s vision of Extension’s role in UVM’s mission and Vermont’s opportunities and challenges
• Brief statement detailing how the candidate will uphold and advance UVM’s "Our Common Ground" values
• Names and contact information for three references (references entered by the applicant)

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation range: $180,000 – $200,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and achievement. Includes a highly competitive array of benefits.

Employment Conditions

Position subject to a successful background check. Finalists may be subject to a criminal background check. Employment is a 12‑month term, exempt under FLSA, with an employee FTE of 1.0.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law.

Contact Information

Search Committee Chair: Dr. Mandar Dewoolkar, Dean, College of Engineering and Mathematical Science,